HA NOI

It’s quite tempting to dedicate this entire inspiration page to Viet Nam’s delicious street food.. or should I say pho-od? While Ha Noi is a prime destination for foodies, it’s also a great spot for history buffs, adventure seekers and those wanting the traditional Southeast Asian capital city experience.

Even though Ha Noi has only served as the country’s capital since the end of the Viet Nam War in 1976, it has been a city of significance for over 1,000 years. From the Old Quarter to Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter, it’s clear the city has been influenced by varying cultures and religions over its many years, which I believe is what makes it so neat! Allow me to be your guide to this Southeast Asian destination.

Day trip to Ha Long Bay

H|B INSPIRATION TIDBITS

Peruse | the streets of the Old Quarter, where each block is known for one specialty like red lanterns, silver or spices

Cool | down with some refreshing $.25 bia hoi paired with steamed peanuts on Bia Hoi Corner. H|B tip: I sipped my bia hoi during a private food tour where I tasted the best street food the city has to offer, and I suggest you do the same! Once you’ve tasted the best of the local dishes, you can order them for the remainder of your visit

Escape | the chaotic, narrow streets of the Old Quarter with a trip to the French Quarter. With a croissant in hand from Cafe Kinh Do, shop around the local art galleries and be sure to pop into the Opera House

Plan | to spend a few hours touring Hoa Lo Prison, where the French detained Vietnamese patriots at the turn of the nineteenth century and the Vietnamese kept American POWs during the Vietnam War H|B tidbit: The prison was referred to by American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton” and its most famous prisoner was Sen. John McCain

Try | a delicious banh mi with pork or pate at Banh Mi 25 – a street cart selling the traditional sandwich for ~$1.50 in the Old Quarter

Combine with | a trip to other Vietnamese spots like Sa Pa, Hoi An, Lan Ha Bay or Cat Ba Island. Or with Thailand, Cambodia and other Southeast Asian destinations

On a personal note | Read more about my time in Vietnam here and watch me explore Southeast Asia including Vietnam here

Old Quarter

Ha Long Bay

Lantern Street in Old Quarter

Bun cha

Old Quarter

Ha Long Bat